THE Irish

THE Irish Shrimpers

Started out at Leeds United when they had a large Irish contingent. After spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon and Exeter he settled in Southend in 2010. Club's top scorer with 14 league goals.

CIAN BOLGER

AGE: 23. FROM: Kildare

He has a good GAA pedigree (dad Declan starred for Dublin in the 1990s), but he stuck to soccer. Was a trainee with Leicester City, had spells with Bristol Rovers, Bolton and Colchester before the move to Southend last year.

MICHAEL TIMLIN

AGE: 30. FROM: London

Capped eight times at U21 level (2005-06) as both parents are from Mayo, Timlin started out at Fulham but he had to leave (for Swindon, in 2008) for his career to take off. Joined Southend in 2011. He spent six weeks in prison (2013) for perverting the course of justice in relation to a speeding offence. "It was a tough time for me but it was my fault that happened," he said.

GARY DEEGAN

AGE: 27. FROM: Dublin

Started out in the LOI with Shelbourne, played for Kilkenny City, Longford Town and Galway United but his career took off at Bohemians in 2008. Lined out for Coventry, Hibs and Northampton, joined Southend last summer.

STEPHEN McLAUGHLIN

AGE: 24. FROM: Donegal

Cut his teeth with Finn Harps but made his name with Derry City, earning a move to Nottingham Forest (2013). Currently on loan to Southend from Forest (his third loan spell), McLaughlin has a year left on his Forest contract. Scored the key goal in semi-final win over Stevenage.